The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Issue No. 14

From Paris to the Loire Valley, and everywhere in between, how to live like a millionaire in Nice on a budget, French island hopping, a fairy tale chateau and Monet's Garden in Giverny. Everything you want to know about France and more.

Annecy Ski Resorts are

Annecy Ski Resorts are sensational summer destinations The fabulous French alpine resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Saint Jean de Sixt perched on the majestic Aravis Range, have joined to become Lake Annecy Ski Resorts. Most people know them only for ski holidays but they also make for a stunning break in spring, summer and autumn. You really need wheels to be able to get around and see the area fully here, and driving on the mountainous roads with sensational views is just the icing on the cake. Tiny villages with gorgeous restaurants, fabulous street markets, cycling and walking routes and the most sports activities I’ve ever come across in one area make this an amazing summer playground. And there are so many surprises here.

Col de la Forclaz From Talloires it’s a short drive to what is possibly one of the most stunning view points and best selfie spots in France – the Col de la Forclaz. From the lofty peak of this picturesque place, paragliders take off, whizzing over your head as you swoon at the colours of the Lake below. Cow bells tinkle like a fairy orchestra in the mountains and the scent of lush meadow flowers under a deep blue sky lull you into tranquillity. The Divine Abbaye de Talloires It will take you about an hour to drive all the way round Lake Annecy Lake, 5 hours by bike or, you can take a water taxi (watertaxi.fr) which is great fun and gives you fabulous views. There are 12 beaches to enjoy and in summer they’re a perfect place to relax. I headed for the town of Talloires which is about 13km from Annecy, to spend a night in a gorgeous former 17th century monastery that’s been converted to a luxurious hotel. You may think that a monk’s cell might be a bit small as a bedroom but the monks that lived here had it good, the rooms are huge. The whole place is very beautiful and there are frequent exhibitions of artworks at the hotel. There’s a private pontoon and an early morning dip is irresistible in what Winston Churchill described as “the most beautiful bay in the world”. In summer the temperature of the water in Lake Annecy is around 22°C. The 4*Hotel Abbaye de Talloires is where the first ever colour photo was taken in 1902. French physicist Gabriel Lippman captured the lovely cloisters for posterity. They’re still there and make for a sensational spot for an aperitif, Mark Twain the famous American writer who stayed here, thought so too. The restaurant is fantastic and Charly, the famous sommelier chooses wines that make you feel happy. Talloires is a tranquil little town and very pretty with plenty of water activities but I recommend you hire an electric boat and discover a secret grotto and the blue lake painted by the artist Cezanne who stayed at the Abbaye in 1896.